TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal outreach and student success program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Big Bend Community College has has a TRIO SSS program since 1997. The program’s goal is to provide support and encouragement for eligible first generation, low income, and/or students with disabilities to help them attain their educational goals, graduate and/or transfer to an institute of higher education.
The BBCC TRIO SSS program houses two TRIO grants, Classic and STEM*, who work together to serve 310 eligible Big Bend students each grant cycle.
Hours
Did you know you could schedule directly onto your TRIO advisor’s calendar through Starfish? Below are the individual calendar links!
TRIO SSS holds workshops (in person and online) on topics range from building academic skills, assistance completing the financial aid application, applying to scholarships and/or jobs, and MORE!
As a transfer student, there will be many new challenges, responsibilities, requirements, and changes. A campus visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college. A college catalog, brochure or website can only show you so much. To really get a feel for the college, you need to walk around the quad, sit in on a class and visit the dorms. You also can get crucial information from admission counselors that allows you to ask specific questions about such things as career services, financial aid, academics, and even dining options. TRIO SSS takes participants on college campus visits throughout the academic year.
TRIO time is a reoccurring informational and fun in person gathering for TRIO students and staff where you can get to know other TRIO students and TRIO staff. It was created during the pandemic as a way to facilitate and build community. Because we have found it impactful, we are continuing with TRIO time in person.
The TRIO SSS STEM Peer Mentoring project at Big Bend Community College pairs TRIO STEM Scholars with Mentors who are BBCC alum and are pursuing a STEM major at a four-year institution. Through one-on-one meetings and group workshops, the peer mentors provide a space for mentees to enhance their sense of belonging in the STEM field, and gain knowledge to increase success in the transfer process.
What does a STEM Peer Mentor help you with?
- Tips for transferring to a university
- Tips for succeeding in your STEM classes
- BBCC resources
- Personal growth topics
Learn about the program more here!
TRIO SSS offers a year-round for credit first year college success course available to all first-year TRIO students. This class is called CSS 103: First-Year Student Success. Only TRIO students are eligible to participate in the section TRIO staff teaches. By participating you learn college success skills and engage in more TRIO program services. TRIO staff highly encourages all first-year students to participate!
As a transfer student, there will be many new challenges, responsibilities, requirements, and changes. The transfer bridge program a 2-day workshop series designed to help TRIO students through the transfer planning process!
Throughout the program, students will learn skills and strategies on how to successfully transfer to a 4-year university or community college. A guide is also provided to further assist students in the process with ease!
Cultural events are activities or academic programs not usually available to TRIO-eligible students. These events occur throughout the year, but more readily provided in conjunction with a college campus visit. Therefore, travel is also provided. But, if proper documentation is submitted and approved, a student is able to transport themselves.
One of the services TRIO SSS can offer is emergency aid called Grant Aid. Grant aid is for emergency situations and requires additional eligibility.
- An active TRIO SSS scholar
- Receiving Pell grant (from FAFSA)
- Have unmet need (from FAFSA)
- Experiencing hardship
IMPORTANT NOTICES:
- An active TRIO SSS scholar is enrolled and is in good standing with the program.
- TRIO SSS Grant Aid is limited in funds. Once funds are depleted we will close this application for the remainder of the academic year (application will reopen Fall 2023).
- Minimum award is $700 and maximum award is $1,500.
Fill out the grant aid application to see if you are eligible.
There are several steps to apply to the BBCC TRIO SSS Program including an online application, two intake meetings, and verification of household income. Click here to see the full steps and to start applying!
TRIO SSS Staff
Mather, Taylor
Evangelista-Martinez, Jasmine
Chen, Astrid
Brischle, Cheryl
Guadarrama, Veronica
*The TRIO Student Support Services Classic grant is funded at $335,053 per year and serves 190 participants. The TRIO Student Support Services, STEM grant is funded at $261,888 per year and serves 120 participants.